Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden (RSABG) is committed to making its exhibitions, programs and services accessible to all.

All buildings and most garden areas at RSABG are accessible to visitors with limited mobility. Due to the terrain, some areas may present challenges to those with ambulatory disabilities. The RSABG Master Plan considers accessibility in all aspects of its design. If you have questions or comments about accessibility at RSABG, please contact the Admissions Kiosk at (909) 625-8767, ext. 451.

Accessible Entrances and Parking

The front section of the parking lot is reserved for visitors with mobility impairments. RSABG’s main entrance is accessible to visitors of all ability levels. RSABG has parking spaces reserved for visitors with mobility impairments adjacent to the Administration Building, which houses the California Garden Shop and next to the Grow Native Nursery and classrooms in the Horticulture Complex. RSABG staff is available to open doors for people who cannot do so themselves.

Accessible Routes Throughout the Garden

Directional signs are provided throughout the Garden to provide guidance for visitors with limited mobility.

RSABG provides learning opportunities for visitors of all ages and abilities. RSABG education programs can be adapted for students with special needs. When scheduling a school visit, please notify the Registration Office about the learning or physical needs of your students. For more information, please contact the Registration Office at (909) 625-8767 ext. 224.

Guided tours, led by RSABG nature interpreters are available. For more information, please contact the Registration Office at (909) 625-8767 ext. 224 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. During Garden events, tram service is provided for guests with limited mobility and accommodation in performance areas can be made for visitors in wheelchairs or with limited mobility.

Are you looking for a non-catered event, or you haven't decided yet? To inquire about facility rental availability with or without catering, or for additional information, please contact Adeline Ojeda, (909) 625-8767 ext. 226 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

The Facility Rental Packet lists venue options and prices, our policies, and catering information. We recommend reading the packet to help you select your particular venue at the Garden.

Our largest venue is a spacious open-air location, featuring beautiful views of the San Gabriel Mountains. Located adjacent the RSABG Administration Building, the courtyard can accommodate 400 guests in theater-style seating or more than 200 comfortably at tables for a banquet.

California Natives Container Garden

Located on the west side of Indian Hill Mesa this open-air venue features a custom designed pergola with colorful shade sails. Architectural partitions showcase a collection of beautiful container plants. Surrounded by mature trees and mountain views, the Container Garden seats more than 150 theater-style or 100 for a comfortable meal.

California Cultivar Garden

Located in the heart of the Garden, the Cultivar Garden is a beautiful two-acre space that features gazebos, a reflecting pool, fountain and mountain views. Covered by native California grape vines, the large gazebo seats 40 guests. The small gazebo, ideal for an intimate ceremony or gathering, features a contemporary sculpture and can accommodate 10 to 15 people.

Walter and Gracie Lantz Outdoor Classroom

A versatile covered structure, the Lantz Outdoor Classroom can be transformed for any occasion. Brick red canvas walls can be retracted to create an open-sided ramada or pulled down to define a private event space. The space seats up to 120 theater-style or 60 comfortably at tables, and is equipped for audio-visual presentations.

Explore other locations

Explore the many other garden settings RSABG has to offer, including the Thorne Council Ring, Percy Everett Fern Garden Upper Pond or Benjamin Pond.

Classroom Spaces and Conference Rooms: The East Classroom and Lenz Horticultural Classroom, two indoor venues at the Garden, are perfect for corporate retreats, meetings or workshops and accommodate up to 50 people. The Garden’s Administration Building also has two conference rooms available for groups up to 12.

We look forward to welcoming you to Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden, the largest botanic garden dedicated to California native plants. This privately-funded Claremont non-profit is a living museum and vibrant center of learning.

Address

1500 North College Avenue

Claremont, CA 91711

Hours

8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. (last admission at 4:30 p.m.)

Closed January 1, July 4, Thanksgiving, and December 25.

The Garden Gift Shop is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on all days that the Garden is open.

The Garden Gift Shop is open year-round, from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. most days that the Garden is open. It is located in the Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden Administration Building. For more information, please call (909) 625-8767 ext. 200.

Admission to the Garden Gift Shop is free.

The Garden Gift Shop is an inspiring place for home and garden decor, a delicious selection of gourmet foods, books, gifts and treasures to keep.

Our shop hopes to further the visitor's knowledge and appreciation of Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden by providing merchandise that relates to and reflects current exhibitions and collections of the Garden.

Plants and native California wildflower seeds (seasonal)

Clothing and accessories

Walking sticks, bird feeders, and hand-made plant-infused soaps

Foods—sweet and savory—including local honey and salsa

Special treasures and affordable keepsakes

All purchases from the Garden Gift Shop provide financial support to the Garden and its programs.

Summary: This CD manual focuses on the seed processing steps that precede - and are necessary for - successful propagation and long-term seed storage. It targets California native plants and plants native to northern Baja California, Mexico, but the general techniques are applicable also to other physiologically or taxonomically related species. Color photographs provide concise and informative views of seed processing equipment and activities, and of the seeds themselves as seen under a light microscope.

The following policies and fee schedule apply to all commercial photography sessions.

Any professional photographer or artist intending to use images of Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden for commercial purposes must submit a request to RSABG at least two weeks prior to the photography shoot. This policy is enforced for the preservation of the collection and the safety of our visitors.

Courtesy to Garden visitors must be observed by all photographers and other artists at all times.

Obstruction of Garden paths and intrusion on exhibits is strictly prohibited. No photographer, artist or equipment will be allowed in plant beds at any time.

Requests for still photography, film or videotaping must state the location within the Garden for the proposed session, the number of people expected, and the anticipated time of the session.

Admission fees will be waived for photographers or artists who visit the Garden to scout the premises for an upcoming photo session.

Admission fees will be waived for photographers and reporters (magazine/newspapers) who visit the Garden for the purpose of providing free publicity to the Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden.

Vehicles are not allowed beyond the Garden’s parking lot.

The Communications Office must approve any props intended for use in the photoshoot.

The Garden will not accept deliveries or be responsible for any personal property belonging to photographer or photographer’s client(s). If equipment delivery, set-up, tear-down or pickup is necessary for the photo shoot, the desired area must be rented under provisions of the Garden’s private event policies. Due to the number of persons involved or the duration of the photo shoot, the photographer may desire the services of a caterer. If this is the case, a separate private event agreement covering the caterer’s activities is required. The private event policies and fee schedules will be provided upon request

The Garden reserves the right to monitor part or all of a photo shoot to ensure compliance with these policies.

Dressing rooms are not available at the Garden. Photography client(s) must make other arrangements prior to the photo shoot. Please be considerate of public use of restrooms and keep them available for other visitors.

All aspects of a photo shoot must occur on areas intended for foot traffic. No person may walk, pose or set up photography equipment except on such areas unless pre-approved by visitor services office and accompanied by Garden staff. Unsupervised climbing of trees and walking into shrubbery or plant communities is forbidden. It is the sole discretion of the visitor services office to approve or deny special access to Garden areas other than designated pathways. No plant may be removed or permanently modified in any manner under any circumstances. Tieback of foliage may be requested and, if permissible, accomplished only by Garden personnel. Under no circumstances is photographer authorized to make this determination.

No decorations, temporary fixtures, or other objects may be affixed to plants, trees, woodwork, buildings or any architectural feature unless specifically approved by the facilities use office.

Balloons are not allowed in the Garden.

Animals may not be brought into the Garden, except designated service animals.

Smoking is not allowed in the Garden under any circumstances.

Recreational consumption of alcohol associated with the photo shoot is prohibited.

Fireworks of any kind or any open flame devices are prohibited. Candles must be in nonflammable, semi-closed containers and be hand-held or placed upon a nonflammable surface.

Nude photography or its near equivalent is prohibited.

Excessive noise or other objectionable behavior that hinders other visitors’ enjoyment of the Garden is prohibited.

Non-commercial Photography

Portrait shoots, such as wedding and family photography, are permitted during the Garden’s general operating hours. Arrangements should be made at least one week in advance. All members of the party, including the photographer and assistants, are required to pay standard Garden admission fees.

Amateur photographers and artists may not use their representations of the Garden for any public purpose unless approved by the office of the executive director or designee. Any questions can be directed to the Garden's Communications Office.

Non-profit agencies, civic groups, and other groups as determined may be exempt from paying fees. However, these groups are still obligated to apply for approval. A formal request to waive fees on organizational letterhead is required two weeks prior to any photo session. Photo credit identifying Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden will be required.

Commercial Photography

Commercial use refers to any photography for public distribution and/or sale. It includes but is not limited to: advertising agencies, public relations firms, marketing groups, corporate communications offices, commercial photographers, and other professional groups shooting photography for use in display advertising, television and electronic commercials, feature films, brochures, product literature, annual reports, collateral publications, training videos, other industrial/promotions or advertising projects. RSABG reserves the right to allow filming/videotaping on a case-by-case basis and under such terms and conditions as determined at the sole discretion of the Garden excutive director or designee.

INSURANCE AND INDEMNIFICATION

The photographer shall provide a certificate of insurance at least five business days before the scheduled shoot. The certificate shall name Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden as an additional insured for the duration of use of the Garden facilities, and shall include broad form property damage and personal injury coverage with a combined single limit of not less than $500,000 per occurrence. Such insurance shall be primary to, and not contributing with, any other insurance maintained by the Garden.

Photographer agrees to indemnify, defend and save harmless Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden, its agents, officers and employees from and against any and all liability, expense, including defense costs and legal fees, and claims for damages of any nature whatsoever, including but not limited to, bodily injury, death, personal injury or property damage arising from, or in connection with, the photoshoot or services performed on behalf of photographer or any person pursuant to this agreement. Photographer further agrees to hold Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden harmless from any workers’ compensation suits, liability or expense arising from or in connection with the photo shoot or services performed on behalf of photographer or any person pursuant to this agreement.

Students photographing in the Garden for school projects must provide current proof of enrollment.

The photographer must agree in writing to these policies at least five working days prior to the date of the intended photo shoot.

Specific venues are subject to availability. High use areas, as determined by the department of visitor services, will be available for photo sessions only if such use does not interfere with normal public access and Garden safety rules.

Upon receipt of a signed agreement, together with proof of insurance and student status if applicable as required herein, a photo passport will be issued in the name of the client/photographer. The passport must be in possession of the photographer while on Garden premises. Upon arrival at the Garden, the photographer must check in at the admissions kiosk at the main parking lot and present the passport.

Violation of the terms of this agreement may result in cancellation of the photo passport, in which case fees will not be refunded.

Particularly egregious violations may result in the denial of future photography privileges.

CANCELLATION

In the event of rain, the photographer may choose to reschedule or cancel the shoot. In the event of cancellation due to weather, all fees will be refunded. In its sole discretion, RSABG reserves the right to cancel any photoshoot reservation in case of emergency or Garden operational situation, as determined by the facilities use office. In such case, all fees will be refunded.

The Garden is available only during normal operation hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day except New Year’s Day, July 4, Thanksgiving, and December 25, or other days that conflict with scheduled Garden activities, which may include tram tours and private events.

The Garden closes at 5 p.m. All participants must exit the Garden by 5 p.m. Arrangements can be made for a session to begin before opening hours or after the Garden closes. Any special arrangements must be made and approved two weeks in advance by the Garden Communications Office.

RESTRICTIONS

Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden reserves the right to refuse permission to any photographer or artist.

FEES

Fee schedule for commercial still photography or filming sessions involving:

1-10 people (including photographer) $50 per hour, 2 hour minimum

11-20 people (including photographer) $100 per hour, 2 hour minimum

21-30 people (including photographer) $150 per hour, 2 hour minimum

30+ people (including photographer) This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

If a photoshoot exceeds the allotted time slot set forth in the contract, lessee agrees to pay an additional rental fee of $100 per hour, prorated at the rate of $25 per quarter hour.

A photoshoot may be scheduled to occur on multiple days, successive or otherwise. In this case, Photographer need not complete a separate Agreement for each day. The applicable fee shall be 80 percent of the base fee unless otherwise assessed by the Visitor Services office.

Location fees applicable to professional filming or video taping for commercial use are subject to negotiation and approval by the executive director or designee.

As personal vehicles may not be driven on the grounds beyond the parking lot, tram service may be scheduled at a rate of $25 per hour. Tram service is subject to availability and must be arranged at least one week in advance.

Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden's art collection includes the Lee W. Lenz Sculpture Collection. The first sculpture was installed in the Garden in the 1980s. As the collection grows and evolves over time, it will continue to add vibrancy and excitement to the Garden.

Untitled

by John Svenson

Located at the main entrance of the Garden.

The artist had long been known for his love of nature evident throughout his large body of work. Here the figures in the two intaglio panels represent divisions of the plant kingdom, gymnosperms (conifers and cycads) and angiosperms (flowering plants). The artist lives in Upland. Concrete. Gift of Pomona College.

Silent Sentinel

by Kristan Marvell

Located on Indian Hill Mesa, near the California Courtyard.

Dedicated to the ancient bristlecone pines (Pinus longaeva) growing at high elevations in the White Mountains of Inyo County, California. One living tree is more than 5,000 years old, but many are now silent sentinels. One author wrote that walking through the bristlecone forest was like walking in a modern sculpture garden. The artist, originally from Oregon, now lives in Los Angeles, where he has a studio and foundry. Bronze. Gift of Dr. Lee W. Lenz.

Contemplations

by Fredrick Gregory

Located on Indian Hill Mesa, in the California Cultivar Garden.

The title derives from the two abstract forms of the piece that remain separate. A landscape architect, Gregory was the first in California to employ large boulders, influenced to some extent by a Tokyo based master rockman. He later became a friend of the famed Japanese sculptor, Isamu Noguchi. On moving to Brazil, Gregory learned stone cutting from Brazilian masters and created his first sculptures. Now living in Carmel Valley, he is one of a few artists who works exclusively with granite. He is also a writer and poet. Gift of Dr. Lenz.

Escutcheon

by Khang Pham-New

Located on Indian Hill Mesa, near the Trustees Oak Grove.

The term Escutcheon usually applies to a shield but it can also be a variously shaped surface, here a biomorphic abstract sculpture. Khang at the age of 12 was a Vietnamese refugee later adopted by an Australian family living in Canada. He studied art in Toronto and after returning to Vietnam became a sculptor. He lives and works in Vietnam. Yellow granite. Gift of Dr. Lenz.

Intersections II

by Bruce Beasley

Located on Indian Hill Mesa, near the Lantz Outdoor Classroom.

Recognized as one of the nation’s foremost sculptors, the artist’s life-long attraction to geometric abstraction resulted from his boyhood discovery of a 100-year-old German book on crystallography. He lives and works in Oakland. Bronze. On loan.

Mythical Bird

by Gene Flores

Located on Indian Hill Mesa, in the Upper Pond.

While living in a remote area in the Tehachapi Mountains the young artist created a series of bird sculptures, realistic and imaginary. The piece installed in the Garden is one of the imaginary birds. The artist lives and works in Massachusetts. Corten steel. Gift of Dr. Lenz.

Genesis

by Aldo Casanova

Located on Indian Hill Mesa, in the riparian habitat.

According to the artist the title is not intended to be taken in a biblical sense but rather a primordial notion of the miracle of birth. Casanova, an emeritus professor of art at Scripps College, lived in Claremont. Gift of the artist.

Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden is not a publicly funded park or recreation area, but rather a private, not-for-profit 501(c)(3) California charitable trust. We are a mission-driven institution – promoting botany, conservation and horticulture to inspire, inform and educate the public and the scientific community about California’s native flora.

The Garden is devoted to the collection, cultivation, study and display of native California plants and to graduate training and research in plant systematics and evolution. Through all its programs, the Garden makes significant contributions to the appreciation, enjoyment, understanding and thoughtful utilization of our natural heritage. We are a living museum. Not funded by tax-payer dollars, we rely upon diverse sources of funding including generated revenue, private contributions, grant funding, and the support of our members.

The Garden did not charge an admission fee until early 2009. The decision to charge was not an easy one, but was (and still is) financially necessary to support the quality of experience we believe our visitors deserve. We do offer several free days a year, and hope to find sponsors for more free days soon.

Admission is free for members. Become a member today and enjoy free Garden admission, discounts at Grow Native Nursery and the Garden Gift Shop, invitations to special events, and more!

Do you allow dogs (or other pets) in the Garden?

With the exception of identified service animals, we do not allow dogs or other pets in the Garden. Service animals must show proof of registration and remain on a leash (no longer than 6') at all times.

The rule of ‘no dogs allowed’ is as much for the safety of pets as it is for the safety of our plants and native wildlife. Showcasing a tremendous diversity and richness of plant species from around our state, the Garden provides wonderful habitat for myriad species of native wildlife. While exploring the Garden, visitors frequently encounter chattering squirrels, fluttering birds, coyotes, and may even be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of a bobcat. The normal habits of these native species are affected by the presence of domestic dogs and other animals. In addition, many of the plants in our living collection are subject to trampling and damage if dogs (or humans) stray from designated foot paths. Thank you for respecting our “living museum”.

Why is picnicking not allowed in the Garden?

As a living museum, much different from a park or other recreation area, we ask that personal food remain within vehicles at the parking lot.

While catered food service may be available and outside food is allowed in designated areas during some special events (such as the Gift Shop Patio or California Courtyard during concerts), general picnicking in the Garden introduces foodstuffs that may be harmful to our native wildlife. Wildlife may also become accustomed to human food thus altering their normal habits (if you’ve ever been harassed by pigeons in city environments or approached by hungry squirrels in urban parks, you know what we mean!). While perhaps unintentionally left behind, trash (as well as the challenges of aesthetically locating trash receptacles) can mar an otherwise lovely experience.

Can spaces at the Garden be rented for outside events like weddings or meetings?

YES. Whether your needs call for an intimate setting or a spacious venue with room to dance the night away, you’ll find a place here. From milestone birthdays, anniversaries, weddings and private parties to celebration of life services, family gatherings, corporate meetings and business retreats, you can find a location to match your needs. With multiple venues and even more beautiful Garden settings to choose from, the possibilities are endless. Visit our website at http://rsabg.org/rentals, where you can download an information packet that includes venue descriptions and pricing. Peruse our Facebook page to view venue photos.

Are guided tours of the Garden available?

YES. Throughout the year there are different types of guided tours offered, both for private bookings or the general visitor. Guided tours enrich the visitor experience with layered interpretation provided by knowledgeable guides, beyond what can be gleaned from casual observation or interpretive signage. Our tour programs offer a variety of opportunities for visitors including adults, K-12 school visitors and tour groups. Tour offerings include:

One-hour private walking tours, scheduled in advance for groups of 4 or more

Free Garden Tours included with membership or paid admission on weekends, March 19 through April 30, 2016: 10 a.m. on Saturdays and 1 p.m. on Sundays. No reservation required; meet at the Admissions Kiosk.

Free special event tours, including Annual Wildflower Show, National Public Gardens Day, and more – follow our website/Facebook page, sign up for The Buzz e-newsletter, or call for details and schedules.

I love to paint outside, and was wondering if I might be able to set up an easel from time-to-time in the Garden. Is this possible, or do I need to be part of a group?

OF COURSE! We are happy to allow painting in our Garden, as we wish to be a showcase place that encourages that type of engagement with our environment. The Garden means so many different things for so many different people. We're more than just a pretty place for a stroll. :)

We simply ask that painters/sketchers follow the same rules as other visitors, including: staying on pathways and out of the plant collection areas, not impeding other guests/blocking, and being courteous to others’ needs. Admission fees or membership applies, and we would like to be credited when possible with our name: Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden.

From large, dramatic installations to diminutive, sophisticated panels, highlight plants in the Garden. Photographic images of California native plants serve as the raw material. Transformed into digital prints on acrylics and textiles, each work represents the shadow cast by a botanical.

Celebrate your next event surrounded by California native beauty

A vibrant landscape of plants and art welcome visitors throughout the year. Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden offers beautiful, inspired garden settings and experienced, professional support to help you orchestrate an extraordinary event!

Our largest venue is a spacious open-air location, featuring beautiful views of the San Gabriel Mountains. Located adjacent the RSABG Administration Building, the courtyard can accommodate 400 guests in theater-style seating or more than 200 comfortably at tables for a banquet.

California Natives Container Garden

Located on the west side of Indian Hill Mesa this open-air venue features a custom designed pergola with colorful shade sails. Architectural partitions showcase a collection of beautiful container plants. Surrounded by mature trees and mountain views, the Container Garden seats more than 150 theater-style or 100 for a comfortable meal.

California Cultivar Garden

Located in the heart of the Garden, the Cultivar Garden is a beautiful two-acre space that features gazebos, a reflecting pool, fountain and mountain views. Covered by native California grape vines, the large gazebo seats 40 guests. The small gazebo, ideal for an intimate ceremony or gathering, features a contemporary sculpture and can accommodate 10 to 15 people.

Walter and Gracie Lantz Outdoor Classroom

A versatile covered structure, the Lantz Outdoor Classroom can be transformed for any occasion. Brick red canvas walls can be retracted to create an open-sided ramada or pulled down to define a private event space. The space seats up to 120 theater-style or 60 comfortably at tables, and is equipped for audio-visual presentations.

Explore other locations

Explore the many other garden settings RSABG has to offer, including the Thorne Council Ring, Percy Everett Fern Garden Upper Pond or Benjamin Pond.

Classroom Spaces and Conference Rooms: The East Classroom and Lenz Horticultural Classroom, two indoor venues at the Garden, are perfect for corporate retreats, meetings or workshops and accommodate up to 50 people. The Garden’s Administration Building also has two conference rooms available for groups up to 12.